National Office Employment Opportunities

Senior Associate for Policy & Programs
 

Position:	Senior Associate for Policy & Programs
Location	Washington, DC

Overview
The Senior Associate provides leadership and direction for one or more of the Public Education Network (PEN's) policy initiatives, communities of practice, and other policy and practice development activities, including but not limited to outreach to and participation in other education policy and practice professional association/organizations activities. The Senior Associate is also responsible for coordinating and communicating with member local education funds (LEFs) and national partners to achieve the outcomes of the initiative, using strategies of advocacy, public engagement and constituency building. The Senior Associate is a team member of the Division of Policy and Programs, performs other duties as assigned, and reports to the Director of Policy and Programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Help to conceptualize and design policy initiatives to support PEN's mission.

• Manage and coordinate all aspects of providing training and technical assistance to participating LEFs including consultant work, learning events, and information resources.

• Manage development of local theories of change for LEF sites and monitor progress towards stated outcomes through regular site visits and telephone/email contact.

• Responsible for the overall fiscal management of the initiative's national and local budgets and with ensuring compliance of local sites' programmatic efforts.

• Supervise, as necessary, initiative staff including associate, program coordinator, and interns. Supports PEN's internal financial and administrative policies and procedures.

Communications
Serve as the primary information resource within PEN's national office and the network about the initiative and the external spokesperson about the role and impact of the LEFs' work. Responsible for related documentation including grant reports, internal progress reports, and communications efforts to internal and external audiences.

Policy Development

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with other national organizations and experts involved in advancing initiatives as well as other PEN policy areas.

• Assist in design and implementation of state and national policy efforts related to the initiative.

Funder Relationship Development
Deepen relationships and maintain regular communication with existing funders of PEN initiatives. Reach out to potential new funders in related fields.

Knowledge Management
Support the growth of online LEF communities to support knowledge building and sharing of effective practices. Develop mechanisms for soliciting and responding to LEF needs for quality resources, data, and collaboration opportunities. Ensure knowledge transfer of best practices across the network and the wider education policy and practice community.

Integration
Support PEN research, development, and communications staff with efforts related to the initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree plus at least five years program management experience and grants management experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of education reform and public engagement, as well as evaluation and organizational development.

• Strong team player with a results oriented focus and highly disciplined approach to meeting objectives.

• Strong strategic thinking, project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to proactively identify key issues and risks.

• Experience in working with state and/or national stakeholders and national partners.

• Knowledge of and experience with knowledge management and organizational learning. Strong customer-service and problem-solving approach.

• Demonstrated ability to assess and address technical assistance needs, employing strong facilitation skills, leadership skills and site visits (travel approximately 25%).

• Demonstrated written and verbal communications ability. Experience in report and proposal writing and making presentations to external audiences.

PEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

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